Follow Up Discussion on the Save A Seed Coalition

Back on January 12 I posted a link over to our friends at SuperForest who have started an initiative called the Save A Seed Coalition which is working to raise awareness as well as money to support just one seed in the Millennium Seed Bank. As global warming becomes an ever increasing threat and extinction rates for many species sky rocket it is comforting to know that there are people out there doing what they can to ensure the collection of over a billion seeds for plants that can sustain life on this planet. I joined in the fight with SF and began spreading the word through that first post. I want to keep the ball rolling however and share a video they posted last Friday which discusses some of the initiatives Kew has undertaken with regard to this endeavor.



If we all donate just a little either through monetary contribution or by spreading the word about the initiative (or both!) SF will be able to adopt their seed. A worthy cause indeed and I hope everyone has a chance to get involved.

Save Me A Seed Dude!

What might happen to all of the plants in the world if the global temperature continues to rise? The Millennium Seed Bank Project (MSBP) is hoping to avoid finding out by starting a collective for seeds of all species.

Are you now asking two questions -- what is the MSBP and how can I help? Well read on for answers to both questions!

Based on the definition explained to us on the MSBP Wikipedia page:

“The Millennium Seed Bank Project is an international conservation project coordinated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Launched in the year 2000 and housed in the Wellcome Trust Millennium Building situated in the grounds of Wakehurst Place West Sussex, its purpose is to provide an "insurance policy" against the extinction of plants in the wild by storing seeds for future use. The storage facilities consist of large underground frozen vaults preserving the world's largest collection of seeds.”

With the rising global temperature many species are experiencing the beginning effects of possible extinction and this is where the MSBP comes in by goaling to store up to 10% of all wild plant species seeds by the end of 2010. But they are in trouble because the financial status of the entire world is in such turmoil and they are no longer gaining the steady donations they once were. Many environmentalists are wondering if it is because not enough people have heard of the MSBP and one group in particular is really doing their part to spread the word.

SuperForest, which some of you already read (a link to which is over on the right side bar), is a lovely organization and they have conceived of a fantastic way to help. By sharing information about their Save-A-Seed coalition among fellow bloggers, they are hoping to not only raise awareness but donations to support a single seed.

Here’s the seedy low down. Get it? Seedy. Yeah, luckily I crack myself up.

The cost to ensure one seed will survive is approximately $3,000 USD. SuperForest has a PayPal donation button right on their page where donations can be made for the cause. They have already collected over $1,000 but help is still needed for the additional $2,000. SuperForest is asking for that help in any way possible either through donations or simply spreading the word amongst the blogosphere so others who may not have heard of the cause can do their part to keep the information readily available.

Please consider linking back to this blog post on your own blogs to keep the information flowing, checking out SuperForest and linking back to them as well and/or donating even a few charitable dollars to the cause through the donation link. Together we will ensure the survival of the MSBP and protect up to 25% of the world’s plant population by the year 2020.